Machu Picchu High Season 2027: the Dates That Fill Up First
For 2027, Peru's Ministry of Culture split the year in two: 147 high-demand days, with a cap of up to 5,600 visitors per day, and the rest of the year, with up to 4,500. Knowing which group your date falls into tells you how far ahead to book and how busy Machu Picchu will be.
The 147 high-demand days in 2027
According to the calendar PeruRail published for the new visiting conditions:
| Period | Dates | Days |
|---|---|---|
| New Year | January 1 to 3 | 3 |
| Holy Week | March 25 to 28 | 4 |
| High season | June 19 to November 2 | 137 |
| Year end | December 29 to 31 | 3 |
The big block, from June to early November, matches the dry season and the mid-year vacations in Europe and North America. It is the time with the best weather and also the most visitors.
Holidays that fill Cusco in 2027
Within and outside those days there are dates when Peruvians travel too, and demand climbs even higher:
- Holy Week: Thursday March 25 and Friday March 26 are national holidays, making a four-day weekend.
- Inti Raymi: on Thursday June 24 Cusco celebrates the Festival of the Sun. The whole week before, the city is full.
- Peru's Independence Day: Wednesday July 28 and Thursday July 29, right in high season.
- Year end: December 29 to 31, and New Year through January 3.
If your trip falls on any of these dates, book Machu Picchu as early as you can: they are the first to sell out, especially morning time slots.
Month by month: what each season is like
January to March. Rainy season, heaviest in January and February. There are fewer people and entry times are easier to get, except around New Year and Holy Week. The landscape is very green; bring a poncho. The Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance, but Machu Picchu and the train keep running.
April and May. The rains end and high season has not started yet. In our view, the best mix of weather and availability.
June to August. Clear skies, cold mornings and the most visitors of the year. With Inti Raymi and Independence Day, July is the most contested month.
September and October. Still high season on the official calendar, but demand eases a little compared with July and August. Good weather, with some rain toward late October.
November and December. High season ends on November 3 and the rains gradually return. December is quiet until Christmas; from the 29th to the 31st demand is high again.
What it means for your booking
- A higher cap does not mean more availability. More people fit per day in high season, but early time slots go first because everyone wants them.
- The mountains sell out first. From 2027, entry to Waynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountain is only until 10:00 am, so there are fewer usable slots. If you want to climb, book further ahead and choose the two-day tour.
- Trains fill up too. In July and August the most convenient times from Ollantaytambo run out before the tickets do.
- Build the rest of the trip afterward. Secure Machu Picchu first; the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake are more flexible.
If you can choose, when to go
If your dates are flexible, aim for April, May or the first half of June (before the 19th), or the second half of November. You will get good weather or light rain, fewer people and more time slots available. For the rest of your planning, see our Machu Picchu 2027 guide and the full budget.
Check 2027 availability
See our pre-booking spots day by day and lock in your date, route and time on our Machu Picchu 2027 tickets calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is Machu Picchu high season in 2027?
From June 19 to November 2, plus New Year (January 1 to 3), Holy Week (March 25 to 28) and year end (December 29 to 31): 147 days in total.
How many people enter Machu Picchu in high season?
Up to 5,600 per day on those 147 days, compared with 4,500 the rest of the year, with a limit of 800 entries per hour.
How far ahead should I book for July 2027?
As early as possible, as soon as 2027 ticket sales open. July combines international vacations, Inti Raymi and Peru's Independence Day.
What is the best month to visit Machu Picchu in 2027?
For good weather with fewer people, April and May. For the clearest skies, if you do not mind crowds, June to August.
Can you visit Machu Picchu in the rainy season?
Yes. Machu Picchu is open all year. It rains more from January to March, but there is more availability and the landscape is very green.
